5 BMC Health System Nurses Share Advice to Aspiring and Fellow Nurses
May 8, 2025
From L to R: courtesy of Marijella, courtesy of Chantou Taing, Alex Lopez, courtesy of Bridgette Vento, courtesy of Tim Murphy
From L to R: Marijella Collins, Chantou Taing, Mohammad Shlool, Bridgette Vento, Tim Murphy
In the spirit of National Nurses Week, HealthCity spoke to five nurses across the system, clinical areas, and generations to learn more about the lessons they've learned on the job that they want to pass on to other people in the field.
National Nurses Week recognizes the contributions of nurses to their patients, their organizations, and to public health. In 1990, The American Nurses Association Board of Directors established the week-long celebration, beginning on May 6 and ending on May 12. The week concludes on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, a pioneer who is credited for establishing the foundation of the nursing field as we know it today.
This year, the selected theme is, “The Power of Nurses,” and it is shedding light on the collective impact of the profession and of each nurse to their patients’ lives and communities. This impact is seen at Boston Medical Center (BMC) Health System, which includes three hospitals, where approximately nearly 3,000 nurses work to serve patients across Boston and beyond.
With help from Chief Nursing Officers Nancy Gaden, DNP, RN, of BMC; Jeanne Kelly, DNP, RN, of BMC Brighton; and Melody O’Keefe, MSN, RN, of BMC South, HealthCity selected five nurses from across the system who are making a positive impact in their patients’ lives and to their colleagues. We spoke with the five nurses to learn more about their unique journey in nursing, what has helped them thrive in their roles, and what advice they would offer to both fellow and aspiring nurses.
On harnessing empathy with Mohammad Shlool, BSN, RN, ER nurse at BMC South
Mohammad Shlool brings more than 10 years of nursing experience, having first practiced in his home country of Jordan before continuing his career in the U.S. After his move, Shlool simultaneously learned English and studied for the nursing board exam so he could continue his career. Now an Emergency Department nurse at BMC South, he has continued to expand his multilingual capabilities to better serve the diverse patient population he encounters. In addition to Arabic and English, he has learned Portuguese and is actively working on learning Spanish to better connect with his patients who come to the ER.
“Lead with your heart. Nursing is not only about administering medicine to ease pain or save lives, it is about showing up with compassion and humanity. To be a nurse, you must carry a big heart, one that connects with others beyond bias or difference — across color, gender, language, social status, appearance, or religion. True nursing begins with empathy and respect. We heal souls before we heal bodies. That’s the kind of care every patient deserves, and the kind of equity every nurse must strive to uphold.”
— Mohammad Shlool, BSN, RN
On building early-career confidence with Marijella (Mari) Collins, RN, BSN, psychiatric nurse at Brockton Behavioral Health Center
Before becoming a registered nurse, Collins worked at a transition house for adolescents and the Veteran’s Affairs in Brockton where she found a passion for behavioral health. She’s continuing her career working alongside people with behavioral health concerns now as a psychiatric nurse at Brockton Behavioral Health Center. Earning her licensed to practice nursing only in 2023, she now has a key leadership role as scheduler of her unit.
“I’m relatively new to the field still and am the first new grad hire in my cohort. But what I have learned is that even people who have been in the field for 10+ years still learn something new every day. This has helped me positively reframe the way I think about my contributions. In behavioral health, especially, you never know what you are going to walk into on any given day. So, embrace the journey and be confident in your education and experience.”
— Marijella (Mari) Collins, RN, BSN
On building resilience with Chantou Taing, BSN, RN, IV nurse at BMC Brighton
Born in Cambodia, Chantou Taing came to the U.S. amid the genocide in the mid-1970s. She has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years, working at the former St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and now BMC Brighton. Throughout her career, she has touched various areas within the cancer specialty: inpatient oncology, outpatient oncology, chemo infusion, and IV resource nursing.
“The weight of what we do can translate to the inner part of our bodies, both physiologically and mentally, which can lead to burnout. The best way to prevent that is to be present with yourself, check in with yourself. When things get chaotic, I ground myself by listening to my own heartbeat. From there I then think about what other needs I might have and go from there: Do I need a snack? A water? When you take care of yourself in the small moments, it builds resilience in the long-term.”
— Chantou Taing, BSN, RN
On building connection with Tim Murphy, BSN, RN, Intensive Care Unit nurse and Integrative Nurse Fellow at BMC
For Tim Murphy, BMC is home. A proud native Bostonian, Murphy has been working at BMC, where he was born, for 24 years. In addition to his role as a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit he co-leads the Integrative Nursing Council, which has brought innovative evidence-based holistic nursing practices and integrative medicine into not only patient care but also care for his fellow nurses. Murphy’s practice includes meditation, Reiki, and self-care opportunities for nurses.
“Being a nurse is a privilege. When you train yourself to appreciate the power of being a caregiver, where we bring safety and healing to sick and vulnerable patients. You enhance and transform the nurse patient dynamic to a connection of one human being caring for another. This intentional appreciation for what we do, will make your practice feel more like a gift than a job. It’s the grace of nursing.”
— Tim Murphy, BSN, RN
On the power of healing with Bridgette Vento, BSN, RN, Complex Case Manager at BMC
Recently celebrating 20 years at BMC, Bridgette Vento is taking on a brand-new position. Previously a nurse care manager in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vento is now a complex case manager, focusing on long-stay patients and challenging cases. Vento also serves as the liaison between BMC and the Barbara McInnis House, a medical respite for people experiencing homelessness. This year, she received BMC’s Nurse Excellence Award, awarded to 10 RNs for outstanding contributions to nursing and patient care, per the award’s description
“For future nurses, my advice is simple: Lead with compassion, listen deeply, and never underestimate the healing power of just being present. You’re not just treating symptoms — you’re caring for souls.”
— Bridgette Vento, BSN, RN
Nurses Week serves as a reminder of the integral role nurses have to health organizations, like BMC Health System, however the impact of nurses like Shlool, Collins, Taing, Murphy, and Vento are seen year-round.
Want to hear more from BMC Health System nurses?
- HealthCity interviews Manu Thakral, NP, PhD, BMC’s first nurse scientist.
- Jason Fox, NP, a CARN-certified nurse practitioner of BMC’s Addiction Consult Service and Grayken Addiction Nursing Fellowship Director, talks to HealthCity about BMC’s Nurse-Led Addiction Fellowship.
- Harm reduction nurses Kristin Wason, MSN, NP-C, CARN, Aimee Marchand, RN, Michelle Whitaker, RN, Azure Bergeron, RN, CARN host a panel discussion at Boston Medical Center’s Together for Hope: Boston Addiction Conference 2024.
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